Iran sports minister visits Armenian football academy, urges enhanced cooperation

Tehran - BORNA - During his first official program in Armenia, Donamali toured various sections of the academy, accompanied by Armenian Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports Arkady Papoyan, and Iran's Ambassador to Yerevan Khalil Shirgholami.

The Iranian minister inspected the training pitches, fitness facilities, and accommodation centers to evaluate the complex's role in grassroots development and national team preparation. Following the tour, he pointed to the academy's capacities and suggested that the complex could host Iranian national team training camps through future coordination between the two countries' football federations.

"We are making extensive efforts, with the support of the ambassador, to pave the way for the expansion of joint cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Armenia," Donamali stated.

He emphasized that alongside economic, commercial, political, and cultural relations, sports remain a vital area for strengthening bilateral ties, expressing hope that expanded sporting interactions would foster closer overall relations.

Opened in 2010 with UEFA's support, the Avan Football Academy serves as a primary hub for Armenian football development. The complex features 11 natural and artificial pitches, a futsal hall, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, and a 1,400-capacity stadium, playing a key role in scouting and training grassroots and national players.

End Article